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Forum - Is there ever a good reason for discrimination?
Is there ever a good reason for discrimination?
Tue, 08/09/2009 - 10:52 — simonw
The case of Amnesty International vs Miss B Ahmed highlights just how difficult it can be for employers to balance their own interests with those of their employees. In this case, though acting in a way that they felt would protect their employee from potential harm, Amnesty was guilty of racial discrimination – but surely no-one in their right mind would think of Amnesty as an habitually discriminatory organisation!
So where is the line drawn between consideration and discrimination? Are there occasions when discrimination is actually justified - on grounds of age, for example? Or should we open up all roles to all people, regardless of what the consequences may be?
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Surely the law allows some sorts of discrimination; for example it is permitted to advertise for same sex applicants where the role involves personal and intimate contact, as in the case of a carer. In this case the discrimination would be considered justified. Discrimination on grounds of race is not permitted where the applicant is otherwise entitled to be employed, but if they are not an EU national or with employment rights then it matters not a jot what their racial or ethnic group is - discriminate away!
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